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Tier -1 General Visa

Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP)

Overview
On 28th January 2002, the UK Government launched the UK's first points based immigration scheme - the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, now commonly referred to as the 'Tier - 1 Visa'. Tier - 1 Visa is the only legal Independent visa where an applicant on his own ability qualifies for visa; No Sponsorship or offer of employment is required. You only need to show that you meeting the points requirement set by BIA.

You can work for whomsoever you wish, providing it is within the field in which you have been trained and you intend to make the UK your main home. You also have an option to become self employed. Tier 1 Visa (HSMP) is issued for an initial 36 months period option to renew for a further 24 months leading to citizenship.

Tier 1 General Visa
Tier 1 (General) applies to highly skilled migrants looking for a job or wishing to become self-employed in the UK, Applicants to Tier 1 (General) are awarded points for different attributes including age, salaryand qualifications. Applicants must score at least 75 points for primary attributes and 10 points each for English language and having the adequate funds to ensure maintenance in the United Kingdom (UK).

Previously Tier 1 Visa was referred to as Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, it phased out over the course of 2008 and HSMP Visa now come under Tier 1 of the new points-based system.

Opportunities for your spouse
The spouse of a Tier -1 Visa (HSMP) holder who is in the UK may take up any lawful employment in the UK.

The UK benefit system, Health Service, and Education system
As a Tier -1 visa (HSMP visa) holder you are expected to support yourself and your dependants without using the benefit system. However, you are entitled to use the National Health Service and can send your children to State funded schools.

Do I Qualify?
In order to be considered for the Scheme, an applicant must demonstrate that he/she is able to score at least 75 points under the 4 main scoring categories:

• Qualifications
• Previous earnings
• Prior UK experience as a student or employee
• Age

Is the Tier-1 scheme for you?
Tier - 1 Visa (HSMP) Scheme is for you and your family, if you meet the above criteria. Tier - 1 Visa (HSMP) applicants now come from a range of backgrounds. The majority are between the ages of 24 and 65 years old who are either high achievers or innovative entrepreneurial types or both.

We have dealt with applications from people in industries and professions ranging from Medical to Engineering; IT to Media; Accounting to Advertising; Marketing to Surveying and many more.

Making it Happen
If you would like to apply for a UK Tier - 1 visa (HSMP visa) , you have taken a great first step in reading this guide. The next step is to contact our Tier - 1 (HSMP) team and start the process of securing your Tier - 1 (HSMP) visa.

BBC Overseas Migration has a dedicated department handling all Tier - 1 (HSMP) cases. We have best success rate in our class (100%). We also provide "free recruitment and post landing assistance".

Free assessment - Tier 1 Visa